Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation continued its support of the nation’s military by adding to the fundraising efforts for a new Fisher House to be built in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The first annual Huntsman Shootout was held Thursday at The Huntsman Hunt Club in Dryden, Michigan – Keselowski’s home state.
Great video from @keselowski's Huntsman Shootout to benefit @FisherHouseFdtn. Thanks to @joeylogano @Blaney @CoachJim4UM for joining us! pic.twitter.com/NdkpIX9sGb
— Checkered Flag Fdn (@BKCFF) June 16, 2017
Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. The Ann Arbor facility will benefit families of veterans that are in the care of the local VA hospital near the University of Michigan campus.
“What a phenomenal day we had at The Huntsman Shootout to benefit the building of a Fisher House in Ann Arbor,” Keselowski said. “When the Checkered Flag Foundation (CFF) began looking for a new partner to continue to benefit our nation’s veterans we were lucky to have been led to the great people at the Fisher House Foundation. They put .93 cents of every dollar raised back into the foundation and are rated as an A+ charity. This is the most successful fundraiser conducted by the CFF since its inception in 2010, and knowing that most of the money raised is going directly to the building of the Ann Arbor house is very humbling.”
Over 125 guests took part in several events at the beautiful facility, including sporting clays, skeet shooting, archery, dog demonstrations and off-road driving in Ford F-150 and Ford Raptor trucks. In addition to Keselowski, Team Penske drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney also competed in the various activities to provide a unique experience. University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh was also in attendance to lend his support and rounded out a star-studded day.
Photo by Dana Jo Photography
Unique items and one-of-a-kind experiences were available during the live and silent auctions throughout the day, featuring:
* A helmet signed by all 33 drivers that participated in the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in 2016
* VIP trip to the 2018 Masters golf tournament
* Two exclusive ticket packages to University of Michigan football games this fall
* Skydiving experience with Fisher House Foundation board member Mark “Ranger” Jones, an Army Ranger veteran who has over 9,000 jumps and who accompanied former United States President George H.W. Bush on his 90th birthday jump
“While we are still putting the wraps on the first annual Huntsman Shootout, we are already looking at ways to make it even better in 2018,” Keselowski said. “We want this event to be something not to be missed by anyone who supports our nation’s military. Freedom is not free and there is a lot of work to be done to take care of those that sacrifice so much for us.”
ABOUT FISHER HOUSE
Fisher House Foundation is best known for a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical centers nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical center or hospital it serves. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veterans’ families an estimated $320 million in out of pocket costs for lodging and transportation.
Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles Program, using donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members as well as the Hotels for Heroes program using donated hotel points to allow family members to stay at hotels near medical centers without charge. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans.
ABOUT BRAD KESELOWSKI’S CHECKERED FLAG FOUNDATION
Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation honors and assists those who have sacrificed greatly for our country. Since 2010, the foundation has supported over 50 organizations and individuals in order to help veterans and first responders during their road to recovery. There are numerous ways for those interested to become involved. Visit www.CheckeredFlagFoundation.org for details.